1:21 PM,
Jan. 16, 2013

From left: Gillian Anderson, Léa Seydoux and Kacey Mottet Klein in "Sister," showing at the DFT.

Written by

John Monaghan
Detroit Free Press Special Writer

In "Sister" ( * * *), 12-year-old Simon (Kacey Mottet Klein) supports himself and his older sister, Louise (Léa Seydoux), by prowling ski villages in the Swiss Alps and stealing expensive equipment that wealthy people leave unattended. He buries the stuff in the snow and then sells it later, using the money for food and clothing.

The new film from Switzerland is a downbeat coming-of-age story. Though it's difficult to condone Simon's actions, it's easy enough to understand the way he views the world. When a customer asks him what he thinks people do when they find their skis missing, Simon says ...